The handling of the pandemic by the Town Social Institution of Csurgó

Abstract

The Town Social Institution of Csurgó provides services regarding social catering, home care, nursery care and assistance to the elderly. The COVID-19 epidemic from early 2020 represented a significant challenge to the establishment. Our goal was to follow the instructions of the Government, the authorities and the financial provider, as well as the protection of the people under care, the employees, adaptation to the changing environment, and to make sure nobody is left alone.
In this publication author summarises the actions in this period, and what results the institution have achieved in the following field:
• interpreting and putting into practice the new regulation, following international trends, and keeping upto- date with recently released information
• respecting healthcare safety protocols, e.g. acquisition, distribution and supervision of the use of safety equipment
• fulfilling new regulations regarding food, e.g. catering provided only by local delivery
• diffusing and increasing the use of online tools, e.g. online payment
• conflict management, assisting the adaptation to the new situation, making people accept their situation
• finding flexible solutions, e.g. moving shops
• using the help of volunteers in supporting tasks
Introducing new and clear communication tools mainly by online devices was of extreme importance. As a leader, applying proper leading style in various situa tions, strengthening responsibleness, requiring an ethical attitude, providing example, interactive thinking, sharing experiences, counselling, motivating, feedback were the most important tasks. We had to provide equity, opportunity for ventilation, and discover personal needs. With the financial provider we supported each other in making strategic decisions, discussing experience, applying management skills. As a result, low numbers of COVID-19 related sickness and infection occurred, and no deaths were recorded among our clients. To improve the effectiveness of our activity, the further widening of our online toolkit is required, as well as flexibility, more volunteers for supporting tasks, strengthening wide-spread cooperation.